Gin Thread!

[shibby4781]

I'm glad I came across this thread today! I'm not a big gin drinker but have wanted to dive further into it. I have enjoyed GNT's for years when I'm out with the wife but never really cared or specified what brand of gin to use. From what I have read it seem like for those you can use pretty much anything. I really want to try more martinis. Are there acceptable and unacceptable gins to use for martinis? Also, could anyone be so kind as to steer me in the direction for a decent all-purpose gin or for that matter one I should try right away?

[357]

Originally Posted by shibby4781

I'm glad I came across this thread today! I'm not a big gin drinker but have wanted to dive further into it. I have enjoyed GNT's for years when I'm out with the wife but never really cared or specified what brand of gin to use. From what I have read it seem like for those you can use pretty much anything. I really want to try more martinis. Are there acceptable and unacceptable gins to use for martinis? Also, could anyone be so kind as to steer me in the direction for a decent all-purpose gin or for that matter one I should try right away?

I'm a GNT guy. Never got into martinis but I haven't really tried too many. I would like to try some in the future to see if I like them or not. Personally, I can tell a big difference between gins when mixed with tonic. Just my

[Brlesq]

Apparently Tuthilltown Spirits (a local mico-batch distillery here in the Catskills of NY) recently released their new Half Moon Orchard Gin, made from wheat and apples. Haven't been able to find it anywhere, even at the local shops that carry Tuthilltown's Hudson Baby Bourbon Whiskey. I may have to take a trip down to the distillery for a tour and sample!

http://www.tuthilltown.com/category/...unaged-spirits

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by shibby4781

I'm glad I came across this thread today! I'm not a big gin drinker but have wanted to dive further into it. I have enjoyed GNT's for years when I'm out with the wife but never really cared or specified what brand of gin to use. From what I have read it seem like for those you can use pretty much anything. I really want to try more martinis. Are there acceptable and unacceptable gins to use for martinis? Also, could anyone be so kind as to steer me in the direction for a decent all-purpose gin or for that matter one I should try right away?

You can get away with using cheaper liquor when mixing in cocktails. However, using a higher end liquor will make a much tastier cocktail.

My favorite, everyday gin is New Amsterdam. I can get a 1.5L for $18-$20. And it is good enough to drink in a martini.

If you are starting out with martinis, I suggest New Amsterdam, Tanqueray, Beefeater and/or Bombay. I would not use the cheapo brands of gin.

If you have a question about a specific gin, feel free to post about it here or PM me.

[shibby4781]

Originally Posted by pnoon

My favorite, everyday gin is New Amsterdam. I can get a 1.5L for $18-$20. And it is good enough to drink in a martini.

If you are starting out with martinis, I suggest New Amsterdam, Tanqueray, Beefeater and/or Bombay. I would not use the cheapo brands of gin.

Thanks, Peter! Looks like I will be stopping by the liquor store on my way home. Any suggestions/lessons about the beginner's martini?

[pnoon]

Originally Posted by shibby4781

Thanks, Peter! Looks like I will be stopping by the liquor store on my way home. Any suggestions/lessons about the beginner's martini?

Like anything, it's all about personal preference.

Some like them stirred over ice. Others, like me, like them shaken and then strained into a martini glass. Some say shake gently. I prefer them shaken vigorously. Amount of (dry) vermouth is definitely one of taste. Many say waving the cap of the vermouth bottle over the shaker is plenty (none). I have seen the proportion as high as 3 parts gin to 1 part vermouth. I prefer ~5 to 1. I will usually just free pour a capful or a tad more into the shaker with the ice and gin. Whenever I try a new gin, like the many I've recently posted above, I omit the vermouth in order to get the true flavor of the gin. I then revert to adding some (but not much).

There is much to be enjoyed in the experimentation.